Mykonos hotels

This 5-star luxury resort is a wonderful beachfront retreat that’s been wowing guests since 2001. It's located on Agios Ioannis beach, otherwise known as the 'Shirley Valentine beach' thanks to its starring role in the 1989 romantic comedy about a bored Liverpudlian housewife who discovers a new-found independence on holiday in Greece.

And while there doesn't appear to be any link between the film and the Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort, I’m 100% certain that you too will find happiness staying here.

The resort is stunning, a collection of whitewashed buildings linked by pathways and terraces. Highlights for me include the sea view rooms, the large outdoor seawater pool and the yoga sessions held in the amphitheatre overlooking the island of Delos, the birthplace of Greek gods Apollo and Artemis.

For a holiday with A-list credentials, look no further than Mykonos Blu. This gorgeous beach resort enjoys a private corner on Psarou Beach, a beautiful stretch of powdery white sand that’s one of the most famous on the island.

But this isn’t the only reason why the Grecotel Mykonos Blu is one of the best hotels in Mykonos. Other key factors include the swimming pool overlooking the turquoise sea and the friendly staff who looked after us as we lazed on our comfy sun loungers.

At the other end of the beach is Nammos Mykonos, one of the hippest spots on the island, with a formal dining area and an outdoor beach club. We didn't make it here during our stay, but if you want to dance on the tables with the rich and famous, then this is the place to come.

The first Bill & Coo hotel opened in Mykonos in 2006 and quickly became known as one of the best hotels in Mykonos. More recently, the brand has introduced Bill & Coo Coast Suites, a luxury adult-only hideaway on the exclusive Agios Ioannis Beach.

I didn't get the chance to stay here, but I did peek into several of the hotel’s 25 dreamy suites and can confirm that they are all stunning. Some come with sea-facing terraces, others with private pools.

What I can personally recommend is the hotel's Beefbar, one of the best restaurants in Mykonos. This hip beachside spot is hugely popular, both for its beef cooked in a brick oven and its all-day party vibe. It's not easy to get a reservation if you're not a hotel guest, so book well in advance.

Located on the island’s quieter side, The Wild is a chic hideaway and one of the best hotels in Mykonos for a more peaceful stay. Its name comes from its clifftop location overlooking a former fishing village that was once home to the bravest of Mykonos' fishermen, who were known locally as "the wild ones".

Today, this family-owned property is one of the most unique hotels in Mykonos. With stylish rooms, a sky-blue infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea and a private cove that’s sheltered from the island's legendary summer winds, it’s the perfect escape from the party-loving side of the island.

Two things in particular stand out from my visit to The Wild. The first is the hotel's excellent Japanese-Mediterranean fusion restaurant, RAW, and the second is the spa's hydrotherapy waterfall pool, built into the surrounding cliff.

For a fun Mykonos holiday that won't break the bank, I highly recommend My Mykonos Hotel. Located just a 10 minute walk from the old town, this is one of the best hotels in Mykonos for those who don't want to spend 5-star prices.

But don't think for a moment that budget equals boring. The comfortable beach-chic rooms enjoy sea or town views, and the suites have private pools. Personally, I'm a fan of their Friends and Family Room and its cool bunk bed for kids.

If you can drag yourself away from the curved swimming pool, I recommend exploring the labyrinth of whitewashed, walled lanes in the old town, making sure to stop for dinner at Maereio. This tiny Mykonian taverna serves the best meatballs in town. It's popular, however, so be prepared to queue.

The beautiful Belvedere Hotel has long been considered one of the best hotels in Mykonos. Occupying an enviable location at the top of the old town, the hotel is within walking distance of the main Mykonos highlights (Little Venice, the famous windmills and Chora's many bars and restaurants) but set far enough away that you can escape the partying crowds if you want to.

Highlights from the Belvedere include the Six Senses spa, the Belvedere Bar that serves a mean martini and the outdoor sushi bar headed up by superstar chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Even if you don’t stay at the Belvedere, non-residents are welcome to use the hotel’s centrepiece, the sparkling sky-blue swimming pool. I spent a wonderful day soaking up the sunshine on one of the hotel’s dreamy sun loungers.

Located on Ornos beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, the Kivotos Mykonos has been at the top of my Mykonos hotel wish list ever since I first discovered it. Run by the Michopoulos family, the property was originally conceived as a family villa but quickly became one of the best hotels in Mykonos.

What I love about this hotel is how involved the family were in designing the 5-star property. Every space, from the public areas to the bedrooms, was individually created and decorated with contemporary art and one-of-a-kind antiques. The result is a hotel where every room is unique.

Not surprisingly, given its luxury characteristics, Kivotos attracts a high-flying crowd; previous guests have included the model Heidi Klum and the fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier.

As much as I'm a fan of the whitewashed Cycladic aesthetic that's so prominent on Mykonos, I admit I did breathe a sigh of relief when I visited Mykonos Theoxenia. Built in the 1960s, the hotel is a collection of low-lying buildings constructed using stone from the nearby island of Delos.

Designed by post-modernist architect Aris Konstantinidis, it quickly became one of the best hotels in Mykonos, attracting celebrities including Jackie Onassis and Brigitte Bardot. Today the building is a protected landmark by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

In addition to the architecture and its history, one of my favourite things about this hotel is its location. The island's iconic windmills (the Kato Mili) stand just outside the hotel's entrance, while Little Venice is just a short walk away.

Not only is Once in Mykonos one of the best hotels in Mykonos, it also enjoys some of the finest views on the island. Built into a steep hillside, the adults-only property overlooks beautiful Ornos Bay. It's an undeniably good-looking hotel – all whitewashed interiors, chic sea view suites, a rooftop infinity pool with floating daybeds, and Instagram-friendly sunsets.

The hotel vibe is a combination of party and peaceful, with activities to suit all interests. There are cocktail-making classes and guest DJ appearances for those who want a good time. For guests looking to relax, wellness options include a sublime spa (I was tempted to book in for all the treatments) and outdoor yoga sessions.

Other highlights include sunset picnics, private cruises, sundowners at the Infinity Bar, and the attentive staff, for whom nothing is too much trouble.

If you want to stay in the heart of Mykonos town, I highly recommend booking the family-run Semeli Hotel. This popular spot is one of the best boutique hotels in Mykonos, with a huge range of accommodations suitable for everyone, a sapphire-hued central swimming pool and an excellent Greek fine dining restaurant, Krama.

What you really check in here for, however, is the location. Positioned just outside the pedestrian zone in Chora, you could not be better placed to experience the town's many bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Make sure to explore some of the town's iconic sights while you’re here. One of my favourites is the Panagia Paraportiani Church. This complex of five churches was built over 200 years and combines Byzantine, Cycladic and Western architectural styles.